Over 4,500 people engaged, 65 new student project leaders, 40 student-led initiatives, a social media reach of over 290,000 and over 1,000 alternatives to plastics distributed – these were just some of the achievements celebrated at the Student Green Unit Showcase on 29 May.
The event, marking the two-year sustainability venture’s successful conclusion, saw students exhibit their varied and quirkily named change projects, ranging from sustainable fish procurement with “Anyfin is Possible” to bee population-oriented “Plan Bee”.
Attendees were also invited to attend keynote speeches from Vice-President for Welfare & Diversity Kate Hawkins, Students’ Guild Chief Executive Tracy Costello and VIP guest speaker Grace Simpson, Higher Education Policy Advisor for the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Students could get involved via Twitter by tweeting the unit with their Showcase experience.
Projects are still ongoing, however, with the Unit currently focusing on their “Yes We Can” initiative, a scheme inviting students to donate their unwanted non- perishable food items to Exeter Food Bank.
Sustainability Change Co-ordinator Callum Lynam commented: “With rising numbers turning to Exeter Food Bank, this project both supports our local community and encourages students to think sustainably about food waste as they leave Exeter.”
Students can either donate food via the Community Warden stall in the Forum on 2 June or the Community Clear Up Days on streets across Exeter on 13 June and 18 July. Leaflets with more information can be found around campus.
Fiona Potigny, News Editor
